The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and relevant links.

Mammatus Clouds Over South Central Germany

I had a nice vantage point to see the approach of some nasty weather in south-central Germany earlier this month. Though severe storms never materialized, looking east at the late day sky I noticed mammatus clouds had formed. These pendulous clouds result from downdrafts of cold air within mature thunderstorm cells. They're frequently reported on the underside of a cumulonimbus anvil. Because the air that forms them is sinking, it's likely that the part of the storm where they're observed is losing strength. Photo taken on May 6, 2012.